Do Good
11% of Proceeds to Uplift Those in Need
We believe that companies should be vehicles for good in our communities. That's why we choose to donate 11% of proceeds from each sale to the incredible not-for-profit organization Karma Teachers.
Karma Teachers is a Vancouver based organization whose mission is to provide free yoga (and community) to those less fortunate. They do this by offering yoga and other healing arts with trained teachers in a clean, safe studio space in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, Canada's poorest postal code. Providing those in need with a venue to find balance and peace through yoga is an important part for the organization but it is ultimately the sense of belonging that people feel - of being a part of a community - that makes the organization so special.
Below we've answered a few common questions:
Q. So how exactly does my KOOSHOO purchase help Karma Teachers?
A. Here's the math: 11% of proceeds from every KOOSHOO product sold (once shipping & handling is removed) amounts to between $1 and $6 per product. Over the course of a month that money is set aside from every sale by us here at KOOSHOO. At the end of the month those funds - totaling 11% of the month's sales - are donated to Karma Teachers. When broken down, the average donation per KOOSHOO product sold is enough to ensure that the funding is in place for someone in need to receive a free yoga class at Karma Teachers. So long story short: FOR EVERY PRODUCT SOLD A YOGA CLASS IS GIFTED TO SOMEONE IN NEED.
Q. Who does Karma Teachers help?
A. Karma Teachers is open to anyone and everyone. Yoga is free though as an organization that runs off private donations, those able to donate are encouraged to do so. The studio is located in a diverse community called the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver. Officially listed as Canada's poorest neighborhood, the studio is well positioned to help those in need. Some of the groups that have been particularly involved at the studio are Vancouver's homeless gay youth, those with eating disorders and children with autism, ADD and ADHD.
Q. Where does the organization get its funding?
A. Karma Teachers is a community focused organization and, in turn, relies on the greater community for its funding. Private donations from businesses and individuals alike have thus far sustained the organization. They have also run some creative fundraising initiatives, such as the extremely popular biannual Yogathons. Below is a video shot by the very talented folks at Pure Souls Media from one of the events last year. It captures the passion of the community for Karma Teachers very well:
Q. How do I get involved with Karma Teachers?
A. To donate, propose an initiative or ask a question to Karma Teachers, please visit them at www.karmateachers.com or in person at 45 West Hastings in Vancouver.
Thank you and namaste,
Rachel & Jesse
KOOSHOO Founders